Aquafina, PepsiCo’s number one global water trademark*, in partnership with Emirates Foundation, the national organization set up by the Abu Dhabi Government to facilitate public-private funded initiatives for the empowerment of youth across the UAE, and KidZania, made wishes come true for 10 orphan children. The children were treated to a special day out as part of Emirates Foundation’s ‘Children Wishes’ program.

The children, under the care of Red Crescent, spent the day experiencing a world of fun activities – including learning about the water they drink at the newly-opened Aquafina bottling plant hosted within KidZania, and enjoying a nutritious Iftar together.

Emirates Foundation’s ‘Children Wishes’ program falls under the Takatof Social Volunteer Program, the nation’s largest volunteering platform, which aims to instill a sense of civic engagement and responsibility amongst youth and provide volunteers the opportunity to support community needs while developing their personal and leadership skills in the process. Children Wishes’ volunteers surprise children across the nation with exciting celebrations, helping to make their wishes a reality.

More than 30people from PepsiCo and KidZania joined Takatofvolunteers to make the day a magical one for the children.

H.E. Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Executive Officer Emirates Foundation, said: “At Emirates Foundation, we believe in the highest potential of our youth and their sense of social responsibility and therefore invest in building our nation’s social capital through volunteer work especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Our partnership with PepsiCo and KidZania through the ‘Children Wishes’ program resonates true to its words and carries a deep message to our community and especially youth, to inspire them to a make positive and a tangible contribution to our nation.”

Speaking at the event, Hossam Dabbous, Vice President, Beverages Category, Middle East and Africa, PepsiCo, said: “Giving back to the community is something that PepsiCo is committed to, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing smiles on the faces of young children. Through our partnership with Emirates Foundation and KidZania, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to make a difference. This falls in line with our company’s commitment to

‘Performance with Purpose’, through which PepsiCo has adopted volunteering as a core component as our corporate culture. Performance with Purpose also drives us to continue building our portfolio of ‘Good for You’ products and to continue working with our consumers to increase awareness to help make healthier choices. An example of this is teaching children the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.”

Damien Latham, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Entertainment, said: “KidZania believes in doing our best to help better the community we live in. We aim to inspire and empower kids everywhere to make the world a better place, by helping them to feel responsible and curious about the world around them. Hosting children for a special day out as part of the ‘Children’s Wishes’ program underlines our commitment to the community, and to make a positive difference.”